| Author | Message | ||
| Anonymous (cpe-72-132-252-58.san.res.rr.com - 72.132.252.58) |
I'm 29 years old and have thought about the Peace Corps for the past 3 years. I'm an adventurous and social person who loves to help people. This is what attracts me to the Peace Corps. I applied once, got nominated to go to Niger, and dropped out of the nomination process because I got a new job. I have a career that has treated me well but I am ready to move on, hence my new-found interest in re-applying. I want to make the right decision because I would be walking away from a lot. Here are my concerns. Most friends I have talked to about this try and talk me out of going forward with this. They have told me a few horror stories, but none so far have deterred me. But what concerns me the most is being able to interact with others who are somewhat similar to me. Is there a lot of mingling with other PC'ers or other ex-pats? I know that sounds kind of silly, but that would be something that would be important to me. Having a group of people there that you can go hang out with and talk about your experiences while they are happening would be essential, especially if they are in your same situation and close to your age. If this social network exists, how big is it? Any honest information is appreciated. | ||
| Anonymous (h2-66-137-250.mesh.net - 66.137.250.2) |
Peace Corps Volunteers are independent so have individually specific needs and requirements. It is a personal matter only, whether or not to apply to Peace Corps. The prime requirement for you is possessing a personal commitment to the Bettering of Mankind. And studying how to avoid obvious pitfalls. Good Luck! | ||
| Anonymous (64-73-244-162-cust.telepacific.net - 64.73.244.162) |
For curiosity's sake, what are some of the "obvious pitfalls" a peace corps volunteer may fall into? | ||
| Anonymous (h2-66-137-250.mesh.net - 66.137.250.2) |
While it is true that some PeaceCorpsVolunteers in a host country are immune to problems which locals may experience, we can not assume we are safe in unsafe surroundings [women]... Believing what we were told just because it was told to us [when offered peeled fruit with a joyous smile because they were glad we came, say "Thanks I'll take this home with me," instead of eating it... Believing decent medical treatment can always be reached when you really need to have located your own treatment center before you got sick. A number of these kinds of incidents add up to taking charge of your own care along with using what you were told in training. Give your Personage the same degree of concern that you are giving your subject matter. | ||
| Anonymous (customer-hmo-4-234.megared.net.mx - 200.92.4.234) |
One of the great things about PC service is that you do indeed get to meet others who share your values and beliefs. I was 47 when I joined and had made no good friends since college. When I left, I had several new close friends; fifteen years later, we still correspond, meet, and reminisce about the wonderful experience the Peace Corps gave us. | ||
| Anonymous (199.128.222.2) |
For the person who joined at 47 yrs of age - I would really like to hear about your experience! I am looking to apply and and will be 48yrs old by the time I actually report for assignment (targeting January 2008-if the application process goes ok) and would like to hear about your experiences as a person in their 40's, mid career, etc - your experiences personally, professionally, physically (how did you "hold up") etc - any info would be helpful! Thanks! Gary | ||
| brooke nagle (ctb-cache5-vif0.saix.net - 196.25.255.195)
|
Hi, I am currently a 50 year old woman PCV serving in Ladysmith, South Africa. I am serving with my husband who just turned 57 last week. We are, by far, not the oldest volunteers here in the country. There are several in there 60s and several our age. We are having an amazing experience here doing capacity building/NGO development with an HIV/AIDS NGO in KwaZulu Natal, a province with a 40% HIV prevalence rate. It is a rich, rewarding experience with a few frustrating days thrown in for good measure, just to keep things interesting. I can't speak for others but it was a good decision for us to join the Peace Corps. | ||
| Anonymous (220.172.120.133) |
IF YOU NEED CONVINCING THAN YOU SHOULDN'T DO IT!!!!! I'm a current PCV in China. If I had been convinced to come here I probably still wouldn't be here. Do it if YOU want to!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Anonymous (203.191.16.2) |
I can understand your hesitation, but highly recommend Peace Corps. I too am very much a people person & need the contact with others I can relate to every now & then. Though you can't choose where you're posted, after a while of training I believe it's common practice to have a meeting with the PC heads to discuss issues about preferences of assignment. They only had one question for me - do you mind remote? I said I didn't, but said that I'd need at least one other PCV nearby for support. In fact, that's what happened, but the other volunteer & I were like oil & water & never socialized. He quit & I was left alone which was no different than when he was there. Meanwhile the rest of my volunteer buddies close to the capital were having regular get-togethers. It was a hard time, but rewarding. So I still highly recommend it  |